One Louisville’s Intern Summit aims to keep up-and-coming talent in Louisville
Coach Jeff Walz, Mayor Craig Greenberg, Seema Sheth, other top leaders encourage next generation to build their future in Louisville
Louisville, Ky. (June 16, 2026) – More than 200 college interns from over 50 employers participated in One Louisville’s 2026 Next Gen Lou Intern Summit, presented by the University of Louisville. This signature initiative of One Louisville’s talent and workforce strategy is designed to connect students and young professionals with the Louisville community and showcase the professional and quality of life opportunities they could access post-graduation.
The Summit featured keynote addresses from University of Louisville Women’s Basketball Head Coach Jeff Walz and Seema Sheth, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive of the Louisville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as well as remarks from Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and One Louisville CEO Trevor Pawl. Participants also engaged in panel discussions with local business, civic, and community leaders representing a wide range of industries and perspectives including:
- Aimee Jewell, Director of Learning and Capacity, Kentucky Nonprofit Network
- Theresa Reno-Webber, CEO, GoodMaps
- Melissa Rift, Head Taster and Brand Ambassador, Old Forester
- Tanelle Sawyer, Chief External Impact Officer, Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS)
- Alfred Smith, SVP Market Leader, PNC
- Jonathan Westbrook, CEO, East & Westbrook Construction Co.
“Our local colleges and universities do a great job recruiting bright minds to our city every year. It is the business community’s job to help them sell Louisville as more than a college town but a place where students can build a career, a family, and a life. Through summer internships our employers lay the groundwork for making connections with young talent, and programs like our Intern Summitt allow us to take it a step further and showcase the quality of life assets and career development opportunities available in Louisville long-term,” said Trevor Pawl, CEO of One Louisville.
The Next Gen Lou Intern Summit was launched in 2025 in response to feedback from employers, higher education institutions, and community leaders who identified talent retention of college-aged students as a top economic development priority. The program brings together interns from Louisville’s colleges and universities, students who relocate to Louisville for summer internships with no prior connection to the region, and Louisville natives returning home during the summer.
“As an anchor institution, the University of Louisville is deeply committed to expanding opportunity and access while strengthening the communities we serve. Our partnership with One Louisville and the Intern Summit brings together UofL interns alongside interns from across the Commonwealth—connecting emerging talent to networks, experiences, and leadership pathways that help build a stronger future for Louisville and Kentucky,” said Douglas Craddock, VP for Community Engagement for the University of Louisville.
The Summit is one component of One Louisville’s talent and workforce strategy, which also includes the Live in Lou program and partnerships with local employers. In addition to engaging speakers, the event also included complimentary professional headshots, peer-to-peer networking, a closing reception with local treats and activities, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
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About One Louisville
One Louisville is the regional chamber of commerce and official economic development organization driving business attraction, expansion, and innovation across the Louisville region. Formed in 2026 by combining Greater Louisville Inc. and the Louisville Economic Development Alliance, One Louisville is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that offers a full suite of economic development, talent attraction, advocacy, and traditional chamber services. One Louisville’s mission is to make the Louisville region the best place in America to build a business, a career, and a fulfilling life. Learn more at OneLouisville.org.